tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53445045273011584172024-03-14T01:45:50.747-07:00Hopeless Wanderer : PCT 2014Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-49587065949221542812014-10-24T07:44:00.001-07:002014-10-24T07:44:41.944-07:00I finished and other thoughts.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivW320x8Fqg7UY3CmNBL32oysg3TPSPtP5VnyBKB4mUpF3ug9JMpr1smMUeghE7FPzQ3ksw_cpozF6mnKC9UY_Vf2pDH3tfEJrZTmFptG7vnxs94hSFZGHpJFGClT6TTOHoatqvuaG2a8/s640/blogger-image--58584766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivW320x8Fqg7UY3CmNBL32oysg3TPSPtP5VnyBKB4mUpF3ug9JMpr1smMUeghE7FPzQ3ksw_cpozF6mnKC9UY_Vf2pDH3tfEJrZTmFptG7vnxs94hSFZGHpJFGClT6TTOHoatqvuaG2a8/s640/blogger-image--58584766.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I finished on September 28th and immediately got caught up in a whirlwind of buses and planes and road trips. It hasn't really got to settle in until now that I am not on a series of zero days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Adjustment back to civilization has been very hard. Out on the trail I used to make fun of the fear mongering that goes on. It was about poodle dog bush or puma's or bears or snow or snakes or water levels or anything that was unknown. Out there, I knew what to fear and what not to. I was level headed and things made sense. Everything that was important; food, water, shelter, being warm; stayed important and all the local drama was just white noise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now back in civilization the tables are turned. I am fearful and stressed about everything. People are so complicated. I have food water and shelter, in abundance so I should be relaxed. Instead my people pleasing tendencies seem to be getting the best of me. I have never been very natural around people and now it is even worse. Every human interaction makes me on edge. Even the person I spent so much time with on trail seems alien to me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Where is the beauty in concrete? In pavement and cars and clothes and fancy soaps. There is no beauty left for me here after being in real beauty for so long. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It has been and will continue to be a hard transition. As finances run thin and I need to get a job, all I want to do is build a cabin in the woods and disappear for a while. Maybe for a long while. Maybe forever.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-64155744698723923912014-09-17T07:16:00.001-07:002014-09-17T08:05:16.476-07:00Bend to Cascade LocksIt's been a while, time to go back a recap. <div>Oregon was overall a gorgeous state from start to finish. Sure there is lava rock between Three Sisters Wilderness and Mt Jefferson Wildernes which is annoying on the feet but fun to experience. The Dee Wright Observitory was a nice little side trip; built of lava rock with windows in the walls that are the size a of the surrounding mountains. Uptop on the roof is this compus structure that points to each mountain.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-fWQlkGMN_Hs9fxpRiEfRMeY79Bp_KanrlLqRh8e_g-BhoBU1DpQX6SA5DAMy4d49nS5L5wioCnWCtopkEr6QfAGmCQw8Smm_mg9lMQ81gkdmgcb8krhzklviB2G0ZpGgHG7AGUYQUs/s640/blogger-image--1127746272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-fWQlkGMN_Hs9fxpRiEfRMeY79Bp_KanrlLqRh8e_g-BhoBU1DpQX6SA5DAMy4d49nS5L5wioCnWCtopkEr6QfAGmCQw8Smm_mg9lMQ81gkdmgcb8krhzklviB2G0ZpGgHG7AGUYQUs/s640/blogger-image--1127746272.jpg"></a></div>Mt Jefferson was beautiful. But there were several burn areas around there which made it exposed and either cool or hot depending on the wind.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWjOgkSNen_yNFdPUUh2Cngjz8vK4mvKazrlYEDmNikl-MWkkmJnmnc5Jx0nctt_Gp7Yoph07xZelgEi5Ft_sCjDDzjytxrUtVgRfIGmPa3oWiFOCqVW-AMTRt_p2cyZfhGrF5c1WqAI/s640/blogger-image-1200456723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWjOgkSNen_yNFdPUUh2Cngjz8vK4mvKazrlYEDmNikl-MWkkmJnmnc5Jx0nctt_Gp7Yoph07xZelgEi5Ft_sCjDDzjytxrUtVgRfIGmPa3oWiFOCqVW-AMTRt_p2cyZfhGrF5c1WqAI/s640/blogger-image-1200456723.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgze_ncH3rml_pQsj8LNr8hxRfK-exhPlv_2s2a7RNPEds2lEVjtopa1EKvHjHTQLC4v3aBoE_yI6FXr4d-YUhIkcnaGEhe8pAkAbcSRUN2M49AG6SlEDq6BC3SDQBr4pQMKO0zvWw0u3Q/s640/blogger-image--464456619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgze_ncH3rml_pQsj8LNr8hxRfK-exhPlv_2s2a7RNPEds2lEVjtopa1EKvHjHTQLC4v3aBoE_yI6FXr4d-YUhIkcnaGEhe8pAkAbcSRUN2M49AG6SlEDq6BC3SDQBr4pQMKO0zvWw0u3Q/s640/blogger-image--464456619.jpg"></a></div>The burn areas thinned out and we hiked through a green tunnel until bam! There was Mt Hood. Beautiful and huge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5fnBWcsKDz4Na4qeTwCa_uuYc8x629aYTkp48i68cz2xTggMd8rGuxwIpN2HsykVDY7jPWldox_9pU1YVT3BdPdH7wy2KQKMUvROMTPYU7g5ql_p7nucvqQfN-1rnVXw_1cWtXwf_uE/s640/blogger-image-1053186086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5fnBWcsKDz4Na4qeTwCa_uuYc8x629aYTkp48i68cz2xTggMd8rGuxwIpN2HsykVDY7jPWldox_9pU1YVT3BdPdH7wy2KQKMUvROMTPYU7g5ql_p7nucvqQfN-1rnVXw_1cWtXwf_uE/s640/blogger-image-1053186086.jpg"></a></div>We took a zero at the timberline lodge on the side of Mt Hood. It wasn't the cheapest but weather turned from clear to windy and rainy. I didn't want to face that strong wind, so I ate food and drank coffee and looked at the historic building museum. It was a good day.</div><div>Heading out and heading to Cascade Locks, we took a couple alternates. The Ramona Falls alternate which was not thrilling but pretty. Then the Eagle Creek alternate into Cascade Locks.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPnjWBIlpfIKW0AbNBCbY5TAG1FugdOY6ATk9Rrr_j3ZGMlxPGJVa4Ho9xnSgihUSYNtCKpBbH_K1ckTT8g5dai339bmOe9LA_5BQIorEGUW5HjEH9IwB8v-2DWZQX5SfkYIA_151ARQ/s640/blogger-image--415432327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPnjWBIlpfIKW0AbNBCbY5TAG1FugdOY6ATk9Rrr_j3ZGMlxPGJVa4Ho9xnSgihUSYNtCKpBbH_K1ckTT8g5dai339bmOe9LA_5BQIorEGUW5HjEH9IwB8v-2DWZQX5SfkYIA_151ARQ/s640/blogger-image--415432327.jpg"></a></div>There were many waterfalls and it was fun to walk around. A lot of day hikers, then we had to walk down a bike path to the burger joint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDDatQna-IN6-OVF_G9p3fW-7M3IOw81r5STb-tXvlwXRBwz2lHatbqUFS2cj8mmU-RzPO3WgPw_fPwdznAkM_1_SYg87cG05yvHKTXQXPK_mNB3zynVqyran2kFnFX9_r0YSnwsjL_Y/s640/blogger-image--304663951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDDatQna-IN6-OVF_G9p3fW-7M3IOw81r5STb-tXvlwXRBwz2lHatbqUFS2cj8mmU-RzPO3WgPw_fPwdznAkM_1_SYg87cG05yvHKTXQXPK_mNB3zynVqyran2kFnFX9_r0YSnwsjL_Y/s640/blogger-image--304663951.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cascade Locks was small and cute. Then was passed along the bridge of the Gods and arrived in Washington. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmy_ta4XVsFp41n6CE2gO12WpWMJcSI7wTySzXlkzPc-3MBlHxJGrZ1LcC2P1Vy65l0qifClaT9gYPNAzIjbL4MzNHnUZe_iN2LDKOc_L7HH2w0-KEpom2KrSsDBR9Aq92aHJM9RlmtY/s640/blogger-image--1308679689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmy_ta4XVsFp41n6CE2gO12WpWMJcSI7wTySzXlkzPc-3MBlHxJGrZ1LcC2P1Vy65l0qifClaT9gYPNAzIjbL4MzNHnUZe_iN2LDKOc_L7HH2w0-KEpom2KrSsDBR9Aq92aHJM9RlmtY/s640/blogger-image--1308679689.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-71630443749012634262014-08-26T08:06:00.001-07:002014-08-26T08:06:04.960-07:00Crater Lake to BendWe stop on the coast and take a bus to rent a car to drive to Klamath Falls to take a trolley to Crater Lake. It worked out fairly well, but Sunday's nothing runs and it always messes up trail plans. We happened to stop walking on a Saturday making it a Sunday when we were to escape the coast. An extra zero day later and we were in Crater Lake via the Crater Lake Trolley.<div>It was amazingly beautiful. I had never been, but I had heard it was a highlight from everyone's hike.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvb2fPL_L3rWt-8xgWhAoQT_n2I3DwR8ouC75TE2MSH9fOoYiDSzd5u-1bG2TMsZHGOz01Eu2o1_up5CPwGguxv2UrKO20IQf-L3hAvV5L5OcXvnNUdQC8CMnP9SdTfCuy45NbWAaz6tk/s640/blogger-image--1216258800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvb2fPL_L3rWt-8xgWhAoQT_n2I3DwR8ouC75TE2MSH9fOoYiDSzd5u-1bG2TMsZHGOz01Eu2o1_up5CPwGguxv2UrKO20IQf-L3hAvV5L5OcXvnNUdQC8CMnP9SdTfCuy45NbWAaz6tk/s640/blogger-image--1216258800.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb77_5A8v-lAzmwEcuAdUL9nXatHmtMOD4jjGhSXDD0nGzqwTBe3PEsCbvSYtVYKyP28wNw52EvjxSQvo_ZWg9kiBv5_f3B4yc95k4OSGeaxFnQ07c-7RhNfEr7acOs_FdGDVXqmiOwfU/s640/blogger-image--1701389611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb77_5A8v-lAzmwEcuAdUL9nXatHmtMOD4jjGhSXDD0nGzqwTBe3PEsCbvSYtVYKyP28wNw52EvjxSQvo_ZWg9kiBv5_f3B4yc95k4OSGeaxFnQ07c-7RhNfEr7acOs_FdGDVXqmiOwfU/s640/blogger-image--1701389611.jpg"></a></div>Then we cruised for miles on soft ground. I tried to summit Mt. Theilsen but ended up having to bail once I got half way up. A big fog rolled around and lingered. I couldn't see the trail and it was very cold. I could have continued, but it was easier just to accept that high winds and fog mean it isn't worth the effort just to get no view. I'll have to come back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6DwSKtprXVkOfl6tWBuVAN-hYifdJqWbqMU1ffA33c2e4hUgtdjWnEcK51PDlFE3XaxTVJ7FdXgXkRDJ14VBUhqO8hrjK5JT8PaKMrbFjGZ5raa9Exx_a0Q9NazMBdcbmNXPBLOvTss/s640/blogger-image--240199925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6DwSKtprXVkOfl6tWBuVAN-hYifdJqWbqMU1ffA33c2e4hUgtdjWnEcK51PDlFE3XaxTVJ7FdXgXkRDJ14VBUhqO8hrjK5JT8PaKMrbFjGZ5raa9Exx_a0Q9NazMBdcbmNXPBLOvTss/s640/blogger-image--240199925.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Before.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEt-nhFa8mCaWrTTGysr9uOzosQYiZ8N0ejhN52tUIxULGGzOXb8sXCRmejPxRxVIfK6VQoX5Lt8toYbfq2mCvRtlTm64oBKNuHI8TRwx-HDtaTYsUwHKQ7NlhNT5pMQIQM7rGSO4hKg/s640/blogger-image--2072157165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEt-nhFa8mCaWrTTGysr9uOzosQYiZ8N0ejhN52tUIxULGGzOXb8sXCRmejPxRxVIfK6VQoX5Lt8toYbfq2mCvRtlTm64oBKNuHI8TRwx-HDtaTYsUwHKQ7NlhNT5pMQIQM7rGSO4hKg/s640/blogger-image--2072157165.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99fEfpdTfexQDAZCdP4Dv4s8_MT1XHZuBu0mh3DVRcK9J_O_A4r56n_Cr-jJL9zCLVzHFV5A7go0iLNkiAsypoCqKSYWIccZ8qmGlAoI10XfF7toQpLM1J1n_E0I9uMoOpa1vg3y3EUA/s640/blogger-image--599935415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99fEfpdTfexQDAZCdP4Dv4s8_MT1XHZuBu0mh3DVRcK9J_O_A4r56n_Cr-jJL9zCLVzHFV5A7go0iLNkiAsypoCqKSYWIccZ8qmGlAoI10XfF7toQpLM1J1n_E0I9uMoOpa1vg3y3EUA/s640/blogger-image--599935415.jpg"></a></div></div>I have to say that I have been mislead, hearing all about Crater Lake and no one brought up the amazing beauty of Three Sisters Wilderness. I was in epic view heaven and happy to have sun again. Oh and berries!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQVB564Q9oQdmczQmNxYNAu70CENm2yMcjpgm3G3ELnt6ZDWpJen-yhyphenhyphenkSH74P-RgYXug9Zsyz5uh0NHdV_H6mxtUA9RqtZbus-buwB3kuCe4JysSwDFEW0BbpXjcRhOn_aQb4jc_CDY/s640/blogger-image-97981533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQVB564Q9oQdmczQmNxYNAu70CENm2yMcjpgm3G3ELnt6ZDWpJen-yhyphenhyphenkSH74P-RgYXug9Zsyz5uh0NHdV_H6mxtUA9RqtZbus-buwB3kuCe4JysSwDFEW0BbpXjcRhOn_aQb4jc_CDY/s640/blogger-image-97981533.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxOKXvhkqr1ymbjYB8zjEoF7XHu4ohUTC9DJflwLxmbVQ2TBxISuxUvZSEXFyxCE8q_dACu_V-zUNLDdU4Ap2OcmDi3LIOQcuqNYuW2SGpSzNTJV8a_Is6pwPrQA4q_jVO4oa-GsNbfI/s640/blogger-image--237979686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxOKXvhkqr1ymbjYB8zjEoF7XHu4ohUTC9DJflwLxmbVQ2TBxISuxUvZSEXFyxCE8q_dACu_V-zUNLDdU4Ap2OcmDi3LIOQcuqNYuW2SGpSzNTJV8a_Is6pwPrQA4q_jVO4oa-GsNbfI/s640/blogger-image--237979686.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRR2ILkFoAjRNskJ124riPLyiFK-VpkLltnz_g0BCC7AKxZSkjG1Bdfsc7bw81fW7cYUA_3r0WX7F7yI_v1RaXc7xZSem7mvrPa2QJ-vDZpDgv_heLsTyOT6vtoWd-IuRzTB1UWlnetk/s640/blogger-image-1732077533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRR2ILkFoAjRNskJ124riPLyiFK-VpkLltnz_g0BCC7AKxZSkjG1Bdfsc7bw81fW7cYUA_3r0WX7F7yI_v1RaXc7xZSem7mvrPa2QJ-vDZpDgv_heLsTyOT6vtoWd-IuRzTB1UWlnetk/s640/blogger-image-1732077533.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgtGZGGZIc5rfZpLwA3fmNRouAFZEKry1v8Tpr42I_UATRalaldDXFn4CvV7Rrs0wsHXm1d95LAvqG-sV0t30y61uKNp8VD3c6BGeQ8XYQI72zPYuMF2Vx1SEek21zz0Sty9sxsVXCQw/s640/blogger-image--1587527451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgtGZGGZIc5rfZpLwA3fmNRouAFZEKry1v8Tpr42I_UATRalaldDXFn4CvV7Rrs0wsHXm1d95LAvqG-sV0t30y61uKNp8VD3c6BGeQ8XYQI72zPYuMF2Vx1SEek21zz0Sty9sxsVXCQw/s640/blogger-image--1587527451.jpg"></a></div>There was obsidian glistening everywhere. The Three Sister mountains jutting up, meadows, animals, good water, it was heaven aside from the lava rock sections. It's hard on your feet that is.</div><div>Anyway, now I'm in Bend getting errands done and loving the REI and hoping to get a new book at the store. Then back to trail. So close to Washington now and only 670ish from the end.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-34035397474041333992014-08-19T08:53:00.001-07:002014-08-19T08:53:41.854-07:00Completing Coastal Trail Section<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There was a lot of 101 walking, a lot of beach walking, and a lot of foot pain, but now it is done. We are headed back to the Pacific Crest Trail today. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5V1tGHFnA32VHbmvs0mJoa3xV9X51UzHhUsiLGYKh35kIkEJ02rFMrymnkGI1WmnEAIOPY2YYeXvPDsIkoLqued6cBgji90kHsVP2a_R9BlI0qHAFbypNt59MtxxlsmRsaC5K2Kednw/s640/blogger-image--1023876793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5V1tGHFnA32VHbmvs0mJoa3xV9X51UzHhUsiLGYKh35kIkEJ02rFMrymnkGI1WmnEAIOPY2YYeXvPDsIkoLqued6cBgji90kHsVP2a_R9BlI0qHAFbypNt59MtxxlsmRsaC5K2Kednw/s640/blogger-image--1023876793.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The ocean was at first revitalizing, then it was disheartening. I think I will happier being on trail again. Camping out every night and walking a good pace. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm excited to see Crater Lake today, but my mind is kind of one tracked right now. All I am thinking about it getting north. Canada. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fGL4bkAfBXFcTSKVs_UlQIlDZNGY3xqRDs6Q6cV8fBqVsN4XJzoe1rvJQk83nHx5-w55W_iDxZNHG27XMoCs5K1QAywrFtj-A02UO9kOHsNxGRCJww3VXStBuC2ZLbQXSZz-KxGxe-Q/s640/blogger-image-825571854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fGL4bkAfBXFcTSKVs_UlQIlDZNGY3xqRDs6Q6cV8fBqVsN4XJzoe1rvJQk83nHx5-w55W_iDxZNHG27XMoCs5K1QAywrFtj-A02UO9kOHsNxGRCJww3VXStBuC2ZLbQXSZz-KxGxe-Q/s640/blogger-image-825571854.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-89674666662443224822014-07-19T10:00:00.001-07:002014-08-13T14:10:12.952-07:00Skipping FiresAlright so I admit that I have gotten behind on blogging. Usually I would just write on the section I missed, but this time there is too much to think about currently to worry about the past. So I'm picking up where I am now, which is not on the Pacific Crest Trail at all. I'll explain in a bit.<div>My partner and I got it Old Station in personal best time. Pulling our first 30+ day and feeling ready to night hike the waterless section. We had been smelling fire for a while but didn't think much of it. We pull in Old Station, eat some food, and while hanging out we see a big plume down the road. With no service and no internet we were forced to rely on people's word. Some thing which is hard to trust because we meet so many people in towns that over react. People who wouldn't camp in the wilderness because the bears will eat them...</div><div>From talking around we collected that Hwy 89 had just been closed because of two fires. A fellow hiker had a bit of service and downloaded the incident report. From that and an area map we figured the fires were on either side of the trail, one was moving toward the trail. Instead of night hiking we stayed over in a room that lost electricity to figure out what we could do. The next day, the trail closed and Pilsbury and her friend gave us a ride into Redding. </div><div>What is a girl to do. A lot of people were skipping up to Ashland and hiking from there. That seemed like cheating some how. I couldn't wrap my head around just all of the sudden being in Oregon without walking there. I was looking at the options. There are fires around Etna and Seiad Valley, Ashland, Fish Lake. I didn't want to have to hitch around fires every couple days just to walk the trail that was open. Some people just went ahead and walked closed sections and took the chance of fire spreading. Me, I have asthma. The last thing I need is to have more trouble breathing so walking through smoke didn't seem enjoyable. Then again I didn't want to skip that much trail. </div><div>I came up with a plan to walk the Coastal Trail from the same latitude as Old Station to the same latitude as Crater Lake and then getting back on trail at Crater Lake.</div><div>So here I am. It's odd walking on sand and not trail, or road, sometimes we walk a highway, or staying in motels/official campgrounds but at least I'm moving north. It's been a nice change in a lot of ways, demotivating in others. It's hard to not look at the beach as a vacation. To walk big miles on sand and not loose focus on the goal of Canada.</div><div>I've had injuries and an Uncle pass away, fires and thunderstorms and I'm still moving north, but the coast is the only place where I have had the idea of quiting cross my mind in a serious way.</div><div>I think because it reminded me of all the fun an adventure can bring, or life before 20-35 miles a day became the goal. The rocks make me miss rock climbing. I miss being in shape and I miss feeling young; my knees make me move like an old person whenever I stop waking. </div><div>I'm not saying that I am quiting, I'm getting into Oregon today after all, but I'm being honest about how hard this is mentally. I've been lucky so far. I haven't had many doubts, I haven't broken down and cried, I've felt pretty good, so this is just a little hurdle in the journey.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pOz78fvDMRA5wSKFFbI51ULxhUo_YtngsyLYulDsF-tTqaCdUlmx04MKgy3IrZ66VDoRUKmQ0te_0n-XzpPGpfTrR9t0mC-Oe6BNZXVewdAO7cMldiWj55LBbZQQVZM4RDc61QiBFyk/s640/blogger-image--430369154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pOz78fvDMRA5wSKFFbI51ULxhUo_YtngsyLYulDsF-tTqaCdUlmx04MKgy3IrZ66VDoRUKmQ0te_0n-XzpPGpfTrR9t0mC-Oe6BNZXVewdAO7cMldiWj55LBbZQQVZM4RDc61QiBFyk/s640/blogger-image--430369154.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBuI81HMah8TNS8igqVILaIlq7ZW06tsqdx9IbLipxRg0jP_uOSurYvFzXU_JW5pN5jcREcVqsw_TUvqMxAyOfDQyD0Z3zhMMrR32mYgOz_r35KIwhiny2kvHVxtHgLXqeanqeiFBpAs/s640/blogger-image-1993587272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBuI81HMah8TNS8igqVILaIlq7ZW06tsqdx9IbLipxRg0jP_uOSurYvFzXU_JW5pN5jcREcVqsw_TUvqMxAyOfDQyD0Z3zhMMrR32mYgOz_r35KIwhiny2kvHVxtHgLXqeanqeiFBpAs/s640/blogger-image-1993587272.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd2KooRg3C7fHbsYfX5m6JoRPEwys5Lzz7HWHMxKbp16Ab4H1h8VdGNehw8qU67za4zFOaWCItEg4qob9tlc6cJS_wi-lyDKlhtPwNoG8tpfJJmy-GlXu8yNRO97273zdF21m0mzfCdA/s640/blogger-image--1501441468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd2KooRg3C7fHbsYfX5m6JoRPEwys5Lzz7HWHMxKbp16Ab4H1h8VdGNehw8qU67za4zFOaWCItEg4qob9tlc6cJS_wi-lyDKlhtPwNoG8tpfJJmy-GlXu8yNRO97273zdF21m0mzfCdA/s640/blogger-image--1501441468.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-79503790795300882702014-07-13T13:25:00.001-07:002014-07-19T09:31:37.822-07:00Tuolumne Meadows to Echo Lake<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By the time I finally left Tuolmne Meadows I was ready to get out of Yosemite. The amount of people in the park freaked me out. I thought for sure we would get out of day hiker territory soon. I like day hikers, but running into 25 people a day was getting old.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9gsOXc5zYExcuDJOt7qLlGKOO4i-MZCErOao4w5p-wJjQUhypb7aqxcyqCvO7s2m3HqpVLEFPjC1tIgSxCaa_S5hpnlkPMErS8aTV3mDFuVBdJb5MYfLLKfJ8pCpbKUzk9kdQWFuPqA/s640/blogger-image--1776083852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9gsOXc5zYExcuDJOt7qLlGKOO4i-MZCErOao4w5p-wJjQUhypb7aqxcyqCvO7s2m3HqpVLEFPjC1tIgSxCaa_S5hpnlkPMErS8aTV3mDFuVBdJb5MYfLLKfJ8pCpbKUzk9kdQWFuPqA/s640/blogger-image--1776083852.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcxWeJwrziyzNT_zZ3I1R_Ywh2ShJx1NJZHAvjqnxI2PWAroIiG0d13ogcan1OydCLF1CkB5vyVgobHmR06EgzPfyhDcH4rrwitIsbtJStI7SfChriHrD-xRYdpxUCwbT9pHCxaRfUiE/s640/blogger-image-594342720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcxWeJwrziyzNT_zZ3I1R_Ywh2ShJx1NJZHAvjqnxI2PWAroIiG0d13ogcan1OydCLF1CkB5vyVgobHmR06EgzPfyhDcH4rrwitIsbtJStI7SfChriHrD-xRYdpxUCwbT9pHCxaRfUiE/s640/blogger-image-594342720.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Although my breaks are controversial, meaning I have taken too many, it did make us go through perfect flower time of year. The wild flowers were beautiful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyMJlB6OAKgzpRT_amUCn3x1IfV-cXwEmnT7M5VU5LE7y6GczX405yZFfIFgvl3XXdQXmdzsrwX0WRcgiCyXBKhbrpFU1nZb5z_gCMOR2Id76T63hpIfaO7C5RQxkGxtuiTAYR0LavLA/s640/blogger-image--655403587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyMJlB6OAKgzpRT_amUCn3x1IfV-cXwEmnT7M5VU5LE7y6GczX405yZFfIFgvl3XXdQXmdzsrwX0WRcgiCyXBKhbrpFU1nZb5z_gCMOR2Id76T63hpIfaO7C5RQxkGxtuiTAYR0LavLA/s640/blogger-image--655403587.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mile 1000 was a great accomplishment. Next goal is half way and then the end. I just keep walking until I can't anymore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zb519-SiC812BxkfQ6UwzpgShoEarDt5xFrx6Dxp_hXQDk_utDecFMvlDccZdg_XX2OqNX_7X7YyaJaU1yZS6QrsFxlCAY7oCWBWe27CSK2NEJ_2ioYBSe1oIzNtU3ClVOgXFvlziNU/s640/blogger-image-444674904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zb519-SiC812BxkfQ6UwzpgShoEarDt5xFrx6Dxp_hXQDk_utDecFMvlDccZdg_XX2OqNX_7X7YyaJaU1yZS6QrsFxlCAY7oCWBWe27CSK2NEJ_2ioYBSe1oIzNtU3ClVOgXFvlziNU/s640/blogger-image-444674904.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO30UH4G-v24z0qj8Fh6zRYDJ4fhoE3D1m0kM-8xHXefAZ77U7bWBHISEnVJiYqwpdboJT1hSskFYsMd4kaDtN9QXkY1Ch4QeDen49CHqWd1-7N19nXwq9bim6o0q4RkaR5PqloFOGzI/s640/blogger-image--1025835101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO30UH4G-v24z0qj8Fh6zRYDJ4fhoE3D1m0kM-8xHXefAZ77U7bWBHISEnVJiYqwpdboJT1hSskFYsMd4kaDtN9QXkY1Ch4QeDen49CHqWd1-7N19nXwq9bim6o0q4RkaR5PqloFOGzI/s640/blogger-image--1025835101.jpg"></a></div>The terrain went through just a crazy shift from Yosemite lush green meadows and granite to dry choosy lava rock. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zmrwfA-4QF3F66r-JTQu_kQcjAr0p5kdPtKsSOuxjOgPZwvEIR0mxC-TikyyCth8G-8wgIiPHgDkC0VgfNd5CQt4bKwDgW3UXHNZim49cKmbSbTaUV-zlsBVkcjMwzyil8EzlLBPtoY/s640/blogger-image--1140790787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zmrwfA-4QF3F66r-JTQu_kQcjAr0p5kdPtKsSOuxjOgPZwvEIR0mxC-TikyyCth8G-8wgIiPHgDkC0VgfNd5CQt4bKwDgW3UXHNZim49cKmbSbTaUV-zlsBVkcjMwzyil8EzlLBPtoY/s640/blogger-image--1140790787.jpg"></a></div>It was a geological wonder. I would love to research the history of this area in depth. How are black peaks a pile of rubble on top of granite? It's beautiful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pJCfJq5Qn5CO6s9SrRQQVNi9tPbmJBi0K-4lgGjyA46QQ5g77CvEF9AMhtTqJGaAE-SVS79B_8deL8kBnxJOdJcSiS9slIMB56BW7h-3JkfVG5-ZCZvSx9hPmtr8wr-GVE_nXjId0Ho/s640/blogger-image-1610766732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pJCfJq5Qn5CO6s9SrRQQVNi9tPbmJBi0K-4lgGjyA46QQ5g77CvEF9AMhtTqJGaAE-SVS79B_8deL8kBnxJOdJcSiS9slIMB56BW7h-3JkfVG5-ZCZvSx9hPmtr8wr-GVE_nXjId0Ho/s640/blogger-image-1610766732.jpg"></a></div>Around Echo Lake the confir forrest comes back but it is still quite dry. Echo Lake has amazing ice cream that I would suggest getting twice. It is such a treat right on trail. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWq9-5B1eYgvHtoNWRN44YAhbBPZJSpAsIC-cXEtLkIWULXEv4bGhUaUoTbqm_Bh5ztKCgYrjXO5jd4lNqVnktYEMR00hHai4Q0SjPesXTQwIXTFZoG9SDuZxTegXEYmOGb25c5NcRmM/s640/blogger-image--1356172396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWq9-5B1eYgvHtoNWRN44YAhbBPZJSpAsIC-cXEtLkIWULXEv4bGhUaUoTbqm_Bh5ztKCgYrjXO5jd4lNqVnktYEMR00hHai4Q0SjPesXTQwIXTFZoG9SDuZxTegXEYmOGb25c5NcRmM/s640/blogger-image--1356172396.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-19871673729590287202014-06-12T13:04:00.001-07:002014-07-08T10:41:45.593-07:00Forrester Pass to Tuolumne Meadows<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDav6WhhPKzbEN42wa8AINosrvg1W_bsBTOeSbYkwCkCgcy4W1fQStdv_PcOAr-6GZD3hDHQ3bkYvdrs0elMhB0wldwyCGd-Sh5SY-0xl7omoLNA6tyBvh8-p7t-YBw3B35_w3uW_I74/s640/blogger-image--810199923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDav6WhhPKzbEN42wa8AINosrvg1W_bsBTOeSbYkwCkCgcy4W1fQStdv_PcOAr-6GZD3hDHQ3bkYvdrs0elMhB0wldwyCGd-Sh5SY-0xl7omoLNA6tyBvh8-p7t-YBw3B35_w3uW_I74/s640/blogger-image--810199923.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've been so bad about updating my blog in the Sierra's that I feel like I can't even remember what happened.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The High Sierra's are tough. We hit them feeling strong from the desert and concurred 20 miles a day for the first few days with a plan of summiting Whitney and getting from Kennedy Meadows to Mammoth Lakes in 12 days. That is a massive carry. With over 37,000ft elevation gain. My pack was the heaviest I have ever packed it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm proud to say that I made it 10 days. The breaking point wasn't snow covered Glen Pass (view of Rae Lakes pictured below) but the day we did Pinchot and Mather in the same day. Pinchot was not difficult as long as you navigated I correctly, but it took longer than expected to get from Pinchot to Mather. Starting the climb later in the day, Mather was a steep scree field. The backside was a postholing mess. We made it down and to the first campsite wet, exhausted, hungry (we were running low on food), and 5 miles short of out mileage goal. The next day we came to the realization that we couldn't make it to Muir Pass before the snow would turn too soft. This would add another day to the trip. Food wise, we couldn't make it. I was already suffering from symptoms of altitude sickness. I was dizzy, low energy, unable to breath with ease. We bailed out through Bishop Pass. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQI9o_2DlwDWlGbIKLA1FcNzksTfskjWsBvF-k8GiV_IZ5VNM2r0aAcnOhwCLAByc_-KMlgetFqITgMZvjW8DFJbhHUUm9Nkt9LcS1oJuEdrs7tMphGGf5dlsDv0qwrJeuJLERvWrlIo/s640/blogger-image--2005338634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQI9o_2DlwDWlGbIKLA1FcNzksTfskjWsBvF-k8GiV_IZ5VNM2r0aAcnOhwCLAByc_-KMlgetFqITgMZvjW8DFJbhHUUm9Nkt9LcS1oJuEdrs7tMphGGf5dlsDv0qwrJeuJLERvWrlIo/s640/blogger-image--2005338634.jpg"></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Not to be dramatic, but whether it was the lack of food or the altitude or just exhaustion I had to concentrate on every step. I have been backpacking my whole life, running long distances, sea kayaked, climbed until I felt like I couldn't move anymore and this was the worst I have ever felt. I decided at the advice of my partner to take a week off of trail.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDea4yVCCLbHb8VqnfVNBx40fNf_lhAwY55YZmt4Ud_1UWFGm5D6WOS2moHvT2f8dq4TZDViUMalGmhw_3vEvh1aEQrM6XhXNRs_TzTc8ty7IboEOWIe8LqHpcw53XKdLzZtRskAAiYU8/s640/blogger-image--43976902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDea4yVCCLbHb8VqnfVNBx40fNf_lhAwY55YZmt4Ud_1UWFGm5D6WOS2moHvT2f8dq4TZDViUMalGmhw_3vEvh1aEQrM6XhXNRs_TzTc8ty7IboEOWIe8LqHpcw53XKdLzZtRskAAiYU8/s640/blogger-image--43976902.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJel7xUW4Mrn8JFIkqmYtuLPxbuuU2QIHYwsg4XtU_wHWYEFnp0oQXdz9KEzYWTy7uk5xcY3amLmZQ0LtDUF2hxohbG-jUusUAXCDI9mrShCR_LMOgXJoLM9SiJt8h5z92ABIPelwrhg/s640/blogger-image-1078189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJel7xUW4Mrn8JFIkqmYtuLPxbuuU2QIHYwsg4XtU_wHWYEFnp0oQXdz9KEzYWTy7uk5xcY3amLmZQ0LtDUF2hxohbG-jUusUAXCDI9mrShCR_LMOgXJoLM9SiJt8h5z92ABIPelwrhg/s640/blogger-image-1078189.jpg"></a></div>Once we headed back to trail, I felt strong again. Crushing the section from Bishop to Tuolomne Meadows.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-Ep5p1yCaEkIHNwVaGQ3h6BeEk-2HEe7eUwajuyLXLzQtuUIOysV23qu7GkIwWYTn5X2e1mkNIRlwxGhn04fdELcFQll1j_gV_EVqOnPnSHNZ7_qFtoelA9LRzxWANeJHJkbaZw-JGU/s640/blogger-image-307280526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-Ep5p1yCaEkIHNwVaGQ3h6BeEk-2HEe7eUwajuyLXLzQtuUIOysV23qu7GkIwWYTn5X2e1mkNIRlwxGhn04fdELcFQll1j_gV_EVqOnPnSHNZ7_qFtoelA9LRzxWANeJHJkbaZw-JGU/s640/blogger-image-307280526.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Leaving King Canyon we headed into the land of the lakes and mosquitos. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV13tTz1m7h0U0momQ3wjTv59g_Uhb9gTmod9K7vCFfcCJ5_bAgWWhjgXf2wBMfHF7fQI56jMYvLRBtPqv_L25aY6CvnVBQHDSj9hDF8RROekxti6XF6ckLUOQdiS3qpU12n6iL4sUOUs/s640/blogger-image-1462353740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV13tTz1m7h0U0momQ3wjTv59g_Uhb9gTmod9K7vCFfcCJ5_bAgWWhjgXf2wBMfHF7fQI56jMYvLRBtPqv_L25aY6CvnVBQHDSj9hDF8RROekxti6XF6ckLUOQdiS3qpU12n6iL4sUOUs/s640/blogger-image-1462353740.jpg"></a></div>I decided to finish the John Muir Trail as well. After which I took several days of to visit friends in San Fransisco. I know it's not typical to take so much time off, but I needed to harden my motivation and give my body a break. This just can't become a job. For me, this is not a race, it's about enjoying the outdoors. Anytime that I am not doing that, I will stop and take a break until I can love it all again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKphnikJfinezRImQCkOT9UIm7lx3A9cnnLh7UueqHrivTu3lZNxJzh0G-23qENJH9DwCIKlqkUNlitwM0m8ukmkhRR4mTngPP2wDf29ZRyKy4G0Wj7jOvHNZYGf1FhPoTNQzLRtlQRo/s640/blogger-image-224367097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKphnikJfinezRImQCkOT9UIm7lx3A9cnnLh7UueqHrivTu3lZNxJzh0G-23qENJH9DwCIKlqkUNlitwM0m8ukmkhRR4mTngPP2wDf29ZRyKy4G0Wj7jOvHNZYGf1FhPoTNQzLRtlQRo/s640/blogger-image-224367097.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXd55kc0osUyTH5EusmkTWOoVIL8QcMXD6Bgb-m0i5XC9gwd3HQvTuzcfqW2CBHpRs2pVqBqVe29P6kvobAQ1R2qrD57tIP1yepA9mXGX197inJRtk0nSPIH9WuxQm1khOBLvBfNWunQ/s640/blogger-image-267378679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXd55kc0osUyTH5EusmkTWOoVIL8QcMXD6Bgb-m0i5XC9gwd3HQvTuzcfqW2CBHpRs2pVqBqVe29P6kvobAQ1R2qrD57tIP1yepA9mXGX197inJRtk0nSPIH9WuxQm1khOBLvBfNWunQ/s640/blogger-image-267378679.jpg"></a></div>(Above it Cathedral Peak on the JMT)</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-80811590911960414152014-06-07T09:23:00.001-07:002014-06-12T13:04:03.192-07:00Kennedy Meadows to Forrester Pass<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkK-GaPpRPcrMqvanyN0xucgYNR3prMBisHmmDPf4aUHa4Ad7DDwW8AbiyOGeJC_K7e5Gi-MosUToMJl5GcGCtjEcY525dW9EHeMkH3LcC_CvI86WxivEu7T6GM-1y1vWjZlblboPY1F0/s640/blogger-image-2048267661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkK-GaPpRPcrMqvanyN0xucgYNR3prMBisHmmDPf4aUHa4Ad7DDwW8AbiyOGeJC_K7e5Gi-MosUToMJl5GcGCtjEcY525dW9EHeMkH3LcC_CvI86WxivEu7T6GM-1y1vWjZlblboPY1F0/s640/blogger-image-2048267661.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm not sure if I can even begin to describe the beauty of the Sierra's. I'm not a writer, you'd have to ask my brother to put it into words that aren't clumsy and straight forward. Let's just say the alpine environment calls to me. On trail we bounce from 8,000ft to 13,00 ft. A typical day is traveling from 9,000ft to 11,000ft and then back down. Our total elevation gain and loss between Kennedy Meadows and Mammoth is over 33,000ft; over 37,000ft if you summit Whitney which I think everyone on the PCT should do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifb0zLJFwt5VF1qP3RfachXf03_pIwjIm-tGf40oaOHpJQko0ncdcDT4FMNZnchyphenhyphenrjgViw39hyFfYKhjCgjG2mIZ9x3tRit79yTOihyphenhyphenrO2kkrtwJcqUp2-SUA9NvEyUompljsJSY0M9Sc/s640/blogger-image-276833569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifb0zLJFwt5VF1qP3RfachXf03_pIwjIm-tGf40oaOHpJQko0ncdcDT4FMNZnchyphenhyphenrjgViw39hyFfYKhjCgjG2mIZ9x3tRit79yTOihyphenhyphenrO2kkrtwJcqUp2-SUA9NvEyUompljsJSY0M9Sc/s640/blogger-image-276833569.jpg"></a></div>The views from each ridge, pass, or summit are epic and magnanimous. They kindly reward me for all the energy put in to see them. The layers of mountains devide every skyline into multiple shades of blue, alpine lakes line the mountains base with turquoise gems, and snow makes me feet as wet as my armpits. It's lovely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BIMUfcyBHV1wCeYl0CGIH2goRc9NgUkaQ0mbCRfHUguunHdSBJ1wjA_mDBtKZSbn8MKJKI0Tadpbca0IEUov_sGGvNVxX_rizfHVOiVVVWY7QkPpb8YmIsLlCqCSmVerpu2hAROKkHY/s640/blogger-image-1844022799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BIMUfcyBHV1wCeYl0CGIH2goRc9NgUkaQ0mbCRfHUguunHdSBJ1wjA_mDBtKZSbn8MKJKI0Tadpbca0IEUov_sGGvNVxX_rizfHVOiVVVWY7QkPpb8YmIsLlCqCSmVerpu2hAROKkHY/s640/blogger-image-1844022799.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Whitney was at sunrise; I just have no words for how amazing that was.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGJ0ZBS-RQRR2r6M3ysdPLSig5p3Uzw51MuzqWO7oaluwrE7hzjoaNVXP9NYI5U3ZJ-T7JwJObhkK0KPAwxdxbmXAAtrbAORJ_31z_yFy0nLn56oCyyNnx2SnlLrlX608W_hDPUQ7Vts/s640/blogger-image--1450675528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGJ0ZBS-RQRR2r6M3ysdPLSig5p3Uzw51MuzqWO7oaluwrE7hzjoaNVXP9NYI5U3ZJ-T7JwJObhkK0KPAwxdxbmXAAtrbAORJ_31z_yFy0nLn56oCyyNnx2SnlLrlX608W_hDPUQ7Vts/s640/blogger-image--1450675528.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhMJ8AdfhM6y_9gcpb6vKA-SIeOd08CAGkbMKQt7V2MD8jL27yvYamjy8CiuwJhDBEXhtGXz90a687kKh_E7E9rS46MJZDAOnj78yF2Wp58184c_cfr9wDc6HlX9r3quvsS6qhMM1W20/s640/blogger-image-2131820411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhMJ8AdfhM6y_9gcpb6vKA-SIeOd08CAGkbMKQt7V2MD8jL27yvYamjy8CiuwJhDBEXhtGXz90a687kKh_E7E9rS46MJZDAOnj78yF2Wp58184c_cfr9wDc6HlX9r3quvsS6qhMM1W20/s640/blogger-image-2131820411.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Forester pass is not bad. The snow is minimal and there are feet cut in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicE5E_sMOlyFxfu2p4OSLc70nqZPDduzXQeGzQOJ61WiQOiQraQlFUqPg8SW3C3amdKyoVAGmMi8FzrzjXB9JXapp8a0okWqwIeFIpoRYHwtx-BBWqBoTEwNeQlK456AKx-QuvPWTROEE/s640/blogger-image--907318047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicE5E_sMOlyFxfu2p4OSLc70nqZPDduzXQeGzQOJ61WiQOiQraQlFUqPg8SW3C3amdKyoVAGmMi8FzrzjXB9JXapp8a0okWqwIeFIpoRYHwtx-BBWqBoTEwNeQlK456AKx-QuvPWTROEE/s640/blogger-image--907318047.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32B09f5EufLGFcATqIeb9Nj-Pudgoy8ge7rpLbVdyzr0karia5OaQE_Hzw1uMd2HxP8N6fc2qXeBhR703vzzIRviLH6H9aI_36pd1ORjyAlOJeYaqGfionukakmlJv9QaFYwc-GTObyI/s640/blogger-image--548273935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32B09f5EufLGFcATqIeb9Nj-Pudgoy8ge7rpLbVdyzr0karia5OaQE_Hzw1uMd2HxP8N6fc2qXeBhR703vzzIRviLH6H9aI_36pd1ORjyAlOJeYaqGfionukakmlJv9QaFYwc-GTObyI/s640/blogger-image--548273935.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvr6uCxD4qiGJx4CAmaNEATH14J97PAFXjpmfveZlT54fy0283Muacz094_2OL8pnMEcAmPqk1xk0gnsfEqjaQLgflbNabKHVtPFMYvDbQmNI0tr5X3OmDphShoACVy1kEyluvKF2mBhU/s640/blogger-image-882936290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvr6uCxD4qiGJx4CAmaNEATH14J97PAFXjpmfveZlT54fy0283Muacz094_2OL8pnMEcAmPqk1xk0gnsfEqjaQLgflbNabKHVtPFMYvDbQmNI0tr5X3OmDphShoACVy1kEyluvKF2mBhU/s640/blogger-image-882936290.jpg"></a></div>The backside is why you want to finish the pass by 12 at the latest. Otherwise this can be messy or icey. It was fun to dig the heels in and run into the snow.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-60332070368902798812014-05-23T09:38:00.001-07:002014-06-07T09:23:27.746-07:00Tehachapi to Kennedy Meadows<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From Tehachapi the trail follows the highway for a mile and then cuts up into he arid hills. We did most of this hiking at night or close to it. The moon as close to full and it was easy to walk by.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTOyfsaEVLiynA2NAqp_uFiBuJypf_wK_y_KUJATMmB6PxfiOdPXqb7OxAuFDiA17gRaTxx4A2riB_EjPVVQyE_we1V_kijkE8kX1mcYBwV9MhPGxCJHmcwqheKEKDkfobFVOC4C4YIo/s640/blogger-image-1787994360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTOyfsaEVLiynA2NAqp_uFiBuJypf_wK_y_KUJATMmB6PxfiOdPXqb7OxAuFDiA17gRaTxx4A2riB_EjPVVQyE_we1V_kijkE8kX1mcYBwV9MhPGxCJHmcwqheKEKDkfobFVOC4C4YIo/s640/blogger-image-1787994360.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We found this little guy along the trail. Usually I would just find rattlers but this time it was a pretty snake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCFXpH9leDiQtgE4UKGvWgWam6EPP9FzKQPlMqN-SGHI8E8BbUfEXKlmP6s6qrgQrCY6As6jI8nEdDrAyLFXsrfIHbDzcyvmIByfnpklviqvVpyo6V5yA80nD69Opn8E_gGI3x_2gCI8/s640/blogger-image-1704386142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCFXpH9leDiQtgE4UKGvWgWam6EPP9FzKQPlMqN-SGHI8E8BbUfEXKlmP6s6qrgQrCY6As6jI8nEdDrAyLFXsrfIHbDzcyvmIByfnpklviqvVpyo6V5yA80nD69Opn8E_gGI3x_2gCI8/s640/blogger-image-1704386142.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are several burn areas from Tehachapi into Sequoia National Forest. They are quite beautiful areas because the wild flowers go crazy. My favorite are the Lupines. They smell so strongly. In this area there was a rock with a mini natural arch :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMm70lFXxTlmLZ7MR07F7FYCzMnIhdhco_j7Jaakqy2-u8yPxt48T3F0Jgocmts6gVvBrxoQxvtkSJAprKG08hJo43UFZvz2CxQq4pnsZRV0rfhSw_WREZclG_3PjoN7vVkcbUfVS7sIM/s640/blogger-image-1286280747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMm70lFXxTlmLZ7MR07F7FYCzMnIhdhco_j7Jaakqy2-u8yPxt48T3F0Jgocmts6gVvBrxoQxvtkSJAprKG08hJo43UFZvz2CxQq4pnsZRV0rfhSw_WREZclG_3PjoN7vVkcbUfVS7sIM/s640/blogger-image-1286280747.jpg"></a></div>We switched from night hiking into day hiking when the trail shifted into Sequoia National Forest. You can see here the desert meeting the tree line. A storm was brewing when we were rolling through so you could feel the humidity immediately. It was very windy. I mean can't walk forward in head wind type windy. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aATFcaZ2T8gw3wXEkdsB2xBIO2TczJlrv5o5OCMdB8Y8lHVlC0gx14U_mmUaZlK_wtHeTKbs3F-6_pAObbxnMfyllp8qJ0aDRDuQzg8H7ntQeGU1_HNqViThBh3gH-wF2v-ZyQbIfaw/s640/blogger-image-750142493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aATFcaZ2T8gw3wXEkdsB2xBIO2TczJlrv5o5OCMdB8Y8lHVlC0gx14U_mmUaZlK_wtHeTKbs3F-6_pAObbxnMfyllp8qJ0aDRDuQzg8H7ntQeGU1_HNqViThBh3gH-wF2v-ZyQbIfaw/s640/blogger-image-750142493.jpg"></a></div>As we enjoyed walking on duff instead of sand, we crawled our way toward snow capped mountains in the distance. Each vista made me more and more excited for the Sierra's and for the end of the water report.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMaRQpv-qk23-1SspsCnkQxGREJO72mzrkfgBf4nNgnDorYC6NGxDA2AHIRKyHHfE_4o1jLhAVB2WaaHULhCHYicOzbeTnCuFhavBQ5BTQip_nEYMmHXU8ZZE_FY9mlzqP1V-9ijeEXo/s640/blogger-image--591581012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMaRQpv-qk23-1SspsCnkQxGREJO72mzrkfgBf4nNgnDorYC6NGxDA2AHIRKyHHfE_4o1jLhAVB2WaaHULhCHYicOzbeTnCuFhavBQ5BTQip_nEYMmHXU8ZZE_FY9mlzqP1V-9ijeEXo/s640/blogger-image--591581012.jpg"></a></div>I thought that coming into Kennedy Meadows we would have less sand and more trees, but it was more arid than I expected. The granite out crops called my name and I would love to go back and explore the area with some gear and rope. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemm6zoi_yZeB0I76z4v-cu7dVVw62FFyCX12GRJ-iii0Jrf4LNKEa_ZNTb4vvNfCiF2DpUbWHtbsa4yLNWyKfOrHo-9hV_YuWNh5XG5PXqsldmB8ru7_ZsMpZG2ybphYzHvY08N70A3A/s640/blogger-image-90879822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemm6zoi_yZeB0I76z4v-cu7dVVw62FFyCX12GRJ-iii0Jrf4LNKEa_ZNTb4vvNfCiF2DpUbWHtbsa4yLNWyKfOrHo-9hV_YuWNh5XG5PXqsldmB8ru7_ZsMpZG2ybphYzHvY08N70A3A/s640/blogger-image-90879822.jpg"></a></div>Kennedy Meadows General Store was about what I expected. Good food, slow service, funny characters, and people spending way too much on booze. The area behind the store in which they allow people to camp was fine but small. The 4 privies were gross and overflowing from a crowd that gathered there over the weekend, but all in all it was a place that had Ben and Jerry's and burgers so it was a hiker heaven. My favorite was getting a ride from the owner of Grumpy Bear's son to get breakfast. Grumpy Bear is a restuarant from a different time. They have what they have and you get what they want to give you. The only question I was asked was 'how do you want your eggs?' They gave us bacon, two eggs, and two pancakes. They also give you more pancakes without charging you extra so we all ended up getting more pancakes. I loved the place. They work hard to even get food up there; there is no delivery truck, so you get what they have until they run out. All in all a good place but really my mind was on Whitney.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-28782974918058083482014-05-15T07:52:00.001-07:002014-05-23T09:34:42.167-07:00Agua Dulce to Tehachapi<div>The Saufley's have a great operation at Agua Dulce. My friends and I could cut down on weight by sending food ahead to hikertown and to Kennedy Meadows and some gear to Tehachapi. By gear I mean my tent, the forecast was nothing but sunny for days and so I took the risk of sending it forward. They have a mini post office in there. </div><div>The hike out of Agua Dulce was beautiful. We started around 5:30 and saw sunset through the most beautiful part of the mountain, hiking until 12am or so.</div><div>Headed into Green Valley the next day we decided not to go to the Anderson's. We had already taken enough time in Agua Dulce so we were in the mood to move. </div><div>From the ranger station there onward to basically HWY 138 there is a Powerhouse fire closure. I decided to walk the road to Lake Elizabeth and then catch the Aquaduct off of Munz Road. Made it into Hikertown that night after a very long haul, but we had water from the open Aquaduct the whole way. Hiking into the night to keep the temps and sun exposure down.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9WMQyBZZfGH6OjwHHlIe7vvVoBHSCFqKbJrNGVgrN8BTTOmA1Y3XZv8do58obPUarIYPWS8UVTHUbuJd3o0637VbIpsoHITNxuvObTDBijkPe6QNEPiIgRWkUzsoMN002c7nDXCzyWg/s640/blogger-image-1430841696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9WMQyBZZfGH6OjwHHlIe7vvVoBHSCFqKbJrNGVgrN8BTTOmA1Y3XZv8do58obPUarIYPWS8UVTHUbuJd3o0637VbIpsoHITNxuvObTDBijkPe6QNEPiIgRWkUzsoMN002c7nDXCzyWg/s640/blogger-image-1430841696.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWE2INfSsITAGoc97g7yfL-5N-R16WeiVTGz_p4UZeJNRtUSiYOiBp7ngTB66C6GfYg-j8fNXas-R_rAfrUCHYFSviXbjTJ5UxSXS9NZxxW3ImNInd_sM0zoLEBuUex2mmEFgaj7oGYY/s640/blogger-image-797850699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWE2INfSsITAGoc97g7yfL-5N-R16WeiVTGz_p4UZeJNRtUSiYOiBp7ngTB66C6GfYg-j8fNXas-R_rAfrUCHYFSviXbjTJ5UxSXS9NZxxW3ImNInd_sM0zoLEBuUex2mmEFgaj7oGYY/s640/blogger-image-797850699.jpg"></a></div> Hikertown is cute and the right kind of dumpy for hikertrash. We hung out there until 5pm the next day. Ate breakfast and chilled out of the sun for our afternoon naps.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxb8YaJ0kh_WmX5AR6_T3eM2orQp4rTCrF2VotQbaSi8c7OFmHOeBEqtO1eSEUFC22NFZyURIABGj4IU4Ou5yuP6Cy0m649qBSVeLP51UFIxIU1EG_2oVAQf3VanrRqrDoa4QwDiZTIo/s640/blogger-image-1187193704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxb8YaJ0kh_WmX5AR6_T3eM2orQp4rTCrF2VotQbaSi8c7OFmHOeBEqtO1eSEUFC22NFZyURIABGj4IU4Ou5yuP6Cy0m649qBSVeLP51UFIxIU1EG_2oVAQf3VanrRqrDoa4QwDiZTIo/s640/blogger-image-1187193704.jpg"></a></div>The section after hikertown into Tehachapi was the most boring. It is walking territory, not backpackers territory. Yeah sure you can cover major miles on road but the views which start being beautiful turn tedious after they haven't changed for miles. Wind mills look like dancing ladies and their humming purrs you to sleep until you have been walking by or around them for a few days. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEie8dqf19PuvdGyyjOYOOimmMLvLVoRdNKbUzIJH3dhTog-ofVN2tSxk37DVj-H2JdSFTnfTmVPn1KyQXbf2h5RAZtV7rpaaIOQ_VhLOeQvLnc8bo1qmpyvl32IOZ1wFRnKLd7h-odSs/s640/blogger-image-969840677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEie8dqf19PuvdGyyjOYOOimmMLvLVoRdNKbUzIJH3dhTog-ofVN2tSxk37DVj-H2JdSFTnfTmVPn1KyQXbf2h5RAZtV7rpaaIOQ_VhLOeQvLnc8bo1qmpyvl32IOZ1wFRnKLd7h-odSs/s640/blogger-image-969840677.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSwNTuy9chs4L_brtC5EHY6R_P-R14URFLaGKmEjx4jv0de2EJ6whgT71L2BvEfcBr-HVEP8z6tNX3L1nQH_-MlZW5EdahJ5ICNbV7Kg_r3OwnpWYTYLMAqpmAIOUuGTTuMc_r16wQrw/s640/blogger-image--1926872659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSwNTuy9chs4L_brtC5EHY6R_P-R14URFLaGKmEjx4jv0de2EJ6whgT71L2BvEfcBr-HVEP8z6tNX3L1nQH_-MlZW5EdahJ5ICNbV7Kg_r3OwnpWYTYLMAqpmAIOUuGTTuMc_r16wQrw/s640/blogger-image--1926872659.jpg"></a></div>The best part about this section was night hiking with a close to full moon through the burn area. The white bark looked eerie in the moonlight. One tree was upside down, trunk up style, and we had to walk under it. How many times do you get to walk under a completely upside down tree?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Everyone got into Tehachapi and recouped in the Best Western hot tub. That thing heals. The Mediterranean restaurant in town, Petra's, really hit the spot. Most people crave pizza and beer, I crave Shwarma's and Coke. It was delicious and not super heavy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Let me tell you I have been talked into a fried chicken meal by some friends of mine, worst idea ever. I'm sticking to my non fried foods (aside from French fries.)</div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-83754017928789363252014-05-08T13:51:00.001-07:002014-05-21T15:01:50.935-07:00Wrightwood to Agua Dulce<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The hike out from Wrightwood is gorgeous and strenuous. It takes you up Baden-Powell, which is a beautiful climb. The switch backs are for days; they seem never ending but make it a gradual steady endurance race. My friends and I decided to summit, it's only 300ft off the PCT and totally worth it. Limber pines curl up everywhere making the views quite surreal. People don't know places like that exist. It's not tall enough to be considered a peak you would bag, but the 1500 year old tree and 360 amazing views make it well worth the effort.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From there the trail goes like a roller coaster until Little Jimmy Spring. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This spring had seats and a pipe and a trough and a huge red cedar that you could stand in. I loved this water resource.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From there we started our long decent into the more arid regions. There is an endangered species closure, most people walked the road. If you continue walking the road past Three Points Campground down HWY 2 a mile you will reach the best burgers on the trail so far. Newcomb's Ranch has been open since World War II and does there burgers the right way, over a fire. Don't miss it, but call and check the hours. They close at 6pm.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHisscnpIIRbWExQrgS8ihhffK1MkHE463CtmxT64hmn8Tc1E6hmODF-mX4aedIhkXSVIpgtgoc1nFdHHBEJoLYWrxkyr9dF988u07bgkYMFrTK44h7jEAXSkbOQbyByV6IAAnZbkfvWw/s640/blogger-image--308876518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHisscnpIIRbWExQrgS8ihhffK1MkHE463CtmxT64hmn8Tc1E6hmODF-mX4aedIhkXSVIpgtgoc1nFdHHBEJoLYWrxkyr9dF988u07bgkYMFrTK44h7jEAXSkbOQbyByV6IAAnZbkfvWw/s640/blogger-image--308876518.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had a bit of a stormy day headed out of Three Points. The cloud cover was a relief, these sections through the burn areas are very exposed. From the ranger station, most people took the road detour around the poodle dog bush warning. My friend and I just wore long sleeves and pants and decided to do the trail. It was mostly avoidable and actually my favorite section of trail so far.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEije6LyL-9QS8gM3R-ipjdHl1iirz06bH1voRZVtytu2ioTH_7VjUMERMIOtRoBNPPfQ1_plWyiGhkIVX5826MnPbuC2K0UAhanEiRoaSOuHE9qHWw7eq99EMvDS0vH1jaJhZDguZne0tc/s640/blogger-image-436284282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEije6LyL-9QS8gM3R-ipjdHl1iirz06bH1voRZVtytu2ioTH_7VjUMERMIOtRoBNPPfQ1_plWyiGhkIVX5826MnPbuC2K0UAhanEiRoaSOuHE9qHWw7eq99EMvDS0vH1jaJhZDguZne0tc/s640/blogger-image-436284282.jpg"></a></div>The mountains kept rolling and the wind kept blowing and we made our way to Agua Dulce.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcVA6rNakEK-ozGLVKJUVPDWDWBTdmmnzRxaRLzt_tg2NREzZPyPlJL_Bo98MEW_Cg6imEQebzaggKpm3lDgXCr5egKFdkfnpbCdYp-dCrTz0tLEyNz74Q8GACuE14N0wyHM9FJyfbsA/s640/blogger-image--952633138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcVA6rNakEK-ozGLVKJUVPDWDWBTdmmnzRxaRLzt_tg2NREzZPyPlJL_Bo98MEW_Cg6imEQebzaggKpm3lDgXCr5egKFdkfnpbCdYp-dCrTz0tLEyNz74Q8GACuE14N0wyHM9FJyfbsA/s640/blogger-image--952633138.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I was happy to see the rocks popping up in the background, knowing these huge sedimentary rocks were a sign that the section was coming to a close. Let's just say I was pretty excited to see Vasquez Rocks.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnULPGa4zgIirKjpWogkHt_Jxubq38GGqevPwR3kVX6eQcCB1TA6TEVCmW0zSeDtB8ib_Sopcy3AFLqJlzNkwMWjauSlWVaijpnlZd2cqA1amZGDNsQLra58v7mVabnM8gopjSOX_Oks/s640/blogger-image--1809227773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnULPGa4zgIirKjpWogkHt_Jxubq38GGqevPwR3kVX6eQcCB1TA6TEVCmW0zSeDtB8ib_Sopcy3AFLqJlzNkwMWjauSlWVaijpnlZd2cqA1amZGDNsQLra58v7mVabnM8gopjSOX_Oks/s640/blogger-image--1809227773.jpg"></a></div>My crazy friend and I decided to hike from the KOA (where we stopped for hot food, now serving until 8pm) to Vasquez Rocks. At 9pm making that day a 27 mile long walk around. The moon was bright as the temp was perfect. Two more of my friends hiked out at night and camped before the tunnel under the Hwy. We continued and got to see sunrise over Vasquez. Something I would highly recommend.</div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkxpQZnfY9y2C2dc1MUK2zRb7E9BY9OXpPgW0bblJl_G-_2yUh94rncG4YQHZ9RiRQSAdNXzk_xbnxu9uX3lwBXOyuba9vIeKaHjKlOv-LNBEC7h43Ymi5DKZg0dU9_bC1Y5uzfI6ZtM/s640/blogger-image--1915133607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkxpQZnfY9y2C2dc1MUK2zRb7E9BY9OXpPgW0bblJl_G-_2yUh94rncG4YQHZ9RiRQSAdNXzk_xbnxu9uX3lwBXOyuba9vIeKaHjKlOv-LNBEC7h43Ymi5DKZg0dU9_bC1Y5uzfI6ZtM/s640/blogger-image--1915133607.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-46877710531251032792014-05-05T06:16:00.001-07:002014-05-09T22:04:15.225-07:00Big Bear to WrightwoodI got into big bear just in time to miss a snow storm. It was nice to stay at the Nature's Inn instead of 4in of snow and 70mph wind gusts.<div>The Donut Shop by the laundry mat not only had amazing maple frosting donuts, but also had pretty amazing biscuits and gravy. It was easy to get from Big Bear City to the larger Big Bear Lake by bus.</div><div>Headed out from town I saw this amazing view coming into Little Bear Springs Campsites (cold and windy) after the crossing of Cougar Crest Trail. Look at them mountains. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIbIbM9jJmGzWSf12Q05Klv_-ndXAZF3gCkbeur4mEMQ-bQwdpPsxpfU6MDVQ_baRF8WN1XcBzeF-8zfMAZJLjLkBi5ooqt8BpPSeCtVpT22C_VqyTFyydr8g_T2uuNfkDUu7NB3qhO4/s640/blogger-image--1051047443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIbIbM9jJmGzWSf12Q05Klv_-ndXAZF3gCkbeur4mEMQ-bQwdpPsxpfU6MDVQ_baRF8WN1XcBzeF-8zfMAZJLjLkBi5ooqt8BpPSeCtVpT22C_VqyTFyydr8g_T2uuNfkDUu7NB3qhO4/s640/blogger-image--1051047443.jpg"></a></div> The trail continues to Splinters Cabin area which has some pretty gorgeous views of Deep Creek. The trail follows the creek for many miles, it even heads to a hot springs. Get ready for lots of wang and a boy who lives there in a leaf thong who goes by Tarzan...i'm not joking. Despite the weirdness, the springs were relaxing and good for tired knees. We got lucky enough to have an empty spring area we could claim as the PCT section away from local drama. It was also a nice change of pace to relax and swim that day.</div><div>Leaving the hot springs, there was a bit of excitement after the rainbow bridge. A man got stung by something, had an adverse reaction and passed out. My friend ran to the hot springs to see if anyone could help, one person had a satellite phone and called for help<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">. When the guy came to and could walk, we helped him hike out to the ambulance. This happened right near the spillway.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqc8U_RVBKWE8IugKMZ1hFmAGmCgpByupL_cyto_tDVpmnI3PcWTi_mfl9exD0voRXjF-NyT_YUwAC5ahp8477eCPtwtYeVU7qwwQck3bfppOkmYQlaU80j5tnNTUCgjsC851wyhwegU/s640/blogger-image--1822925755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqc8U_RVBKWE8IugKMZ1hFmAGmCgpByupL_cyto_tDVpmnI3PcWTi_mfl9exD0voRXjF-NyT_YUwAC5ahp8477eCPtwtYeVU7qwwQck3bfppOkmYQlaU80j5tnNTUCgjsC851wyhwegU/s640/blogger-image--1822925755.jpg"></a></div>He emailed me and said that everything is ok. We are all relieved everything worked out fine in the end.</div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The hike around Silverwood Lake was beautiful and the hike to Cajon Pass was unreal. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPIyaNZO5Q-GhxIw3R_nl62tiIsV0rAu-wQZo4Xb-LBrQd-gaH1MBKG8JMyyI6uHy_kMYVvYXkTuXx9QSxN2cg04WbvK42CJmfEyASYU_mimtrmuY4iqG7iVs9ohtgY9XOQ8PDgwBC-A/s640/blogger-image--808623525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPIyaNZO5Q-GhxIw3R_nl62tiIsV0rAu-wQZo4Xb-LBrQd-gaH1MBKG8JMyyI6uHy_kMYVvYXkTuXx9QSxN2cg04WbvK42CJmfEyASYU_mimtrmuY4iqG7iVs9ohtgY9XOQ8PDgwBC-A/s640/blogger-image--808623525.jpg"></a></div>We all met up at the McDonald's on I-15 and ate some food. We also all got dumb after eating that crap. Some people even had to take a nero; that food makes you slow. I went with fries and a McFlury. That went down fine, but then later I added a chicken sandwich and that hit me with laziness.</div><div>I had heard the climb 5 miles out from McDonalds was long and hot so I did it at night. Rolled out of Cajon Pass around 4, got to the top and to a flat spot after the jeep road just after dark. That made the climb pretty easy. It's amazing what not having the full power of the sun will do.</div><div>The rest of the up and around until Hwy 2 was beautiful. Guffy Campground had good water and as long as you tucked yourself out of the wind, a good soft bed. I love pine trees, their needles make for the best sleeping.</div><div>Wrightwood is the most hiker friendly town yet. It is small, walkable, jolly, and Cinnamon's Bakery has the best sandwiches ever. Don't let the name fool you, they do have good pastries and muffins but there is a guy there named Steven who takes meals, like BBQ pork, coleslaw, and cornbread, and bakes them between two tortillas to make a pocket. I wish everyone could eat one, so good, I'm still dreaming about going back for one. Aside from that there are some awesome trail angel's there. Wendi really pulled some strings to find a ride for a friend and I to get back to the trail. It was a great experience. </div><div>PS. The Pines Motel is cheapest, very convenient, and will do your laundry for you. </div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-31285847045732689302014-05-02T15:38:00.001-07:002014-05-05T06:16:39.876-07:00Idyllwild to Big Bear<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Coming out of Idyllwild refreshed and with new shoes (switched to Salomon XR Missions), I headed up several thousand feet from town. I wanted to summit San Jacinto and even though it was cloudy, it was very worthwhile. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialOePRE67cen7ssN5y3VVouMoHw9oGMJcgfpcWivY6SbE8LjLUeK1OG9AriplHRI-D8xHx05kn-RtF0wWPCInm-efwWQNiBg3Wa4jg7PPeHD7K2xRABD70OudgzWT5JQFGYlR-8wwD1I/s640/blogger-image--1130528906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialOePRE67cen7ssN5y3VVouMoHw9oGMJcgfpcWivY6SbE8LjLUeK1OG9AriplHRI-D8xHx05kn-RtF0wWPCInm-efwWQNiBg3Wa4jg7PPeHD7K2xRABD70OudgzWT5JQFGYlR-8wwD1I/s640/blogger-image--1130528906.jpg"></a></div>The sky cleared over patches of sky allowing me to see the desert down below. After the peak it is a down hill, a very long 21 miles of nothing but down hill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The group I am hiking with decided to break it up into two days so we could give our knees a break. That meant a dry camp off of Fuller Ridge. It was a brutal next day of exposed terrain with no water. Some of the people ran out before they got to the water fountain below. The benefits of hiking with a group are you can always scrape together some water so we all donated a little and got them to water thirsty but alright.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The views were gorgeous. Exposed could be PCT code for the best views you can get. I knew it would be beautiful, but this is beyond what I expected. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrremOkkzcu50CQnAVkMv0yRVH76VOK1HuXQLxkqrMIi4eQwg-CxJu3q6tiE5AV95RK4pa1p6WsIp3P92tvnUgdkvto-5U-OMzBURfPrzO4kKqzWcVZ8wJyhfgMx8FY5jGE7pBxGym5p4/s640/blogger-image-1078806503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrremOkkzcu50CQnAVkMv0yRVH76VOK1HuXQLxkqrMIi4eQwg-CxJu3q6tiE5AV95RK4pa1p6WsIp3P92tvnUgdkvto-5U-OMzBURfPrzO4kKqzWcVZ8wJyhfgMx8FY5jGE7pBxGym5p4/s640/blogger-image-1078806503.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I stopped at Ziggy and the Bears for a Gatorade, coffee, water, and to sign in the log. I am hiker #222. The section from the wind mill farm to first mission creek campsite was reminiscent of the Sound of Music. I can't even explain how nice it was to see that much running water in one day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The campsite above Mission Creek was cold. I'm glad I had my 15D bag. The next day I camped right before my personal record for the farthest I have walked. Then the next day walking into Big Bear, I passed my record with some amazing views as prizes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I got into Big Bear just before the snow storm and waited it out in town with fresh donuts. Yum.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLAhC4VU1GafuCd8o5zRRU9rfPI-vIOwA9rxNjNQVPC1ASDm28AG15_QFiV2xNBnGT9ziE0kU8KciIpNdw2foldFs5CyX6-vaxyZP_WhnW74rrwvDXZyzLC7FxiV64VPpbWhKN3NDmZc/s640/blogger-image--1869051235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLAhC4VU1GafuCd8o5zRRU9rfPI-vIOwA9rxNjNQVPC1ASDm28AG15_QFiV2xNBnGT9ziE0kU8KciIpNdw2foldFs5CyX6-vaxyZP_WhnW74rrwvDXZyzLC7FxiV64VPpbWhKN3NDmZc/s640/blogger-image--1869051235.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-63909036629799480952014-04-25T16:27:00.001-07:002014-04-25T16:44:50.521-07:00From Campo to Idyllwild<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Everyone had told me that the hill up to Lake Morena was the first PCT challenge. I didn't find the climb all that hard, but 20 miles in the first day is no joke. I got into the campground and pretty much collapsed with all my new found friends. No one thought the first day was easy. It's the first day of big sun and desert heat. <div>I loved taking an afternoon rest under a tree and then walking a bit and coming to the hill. The area had some beautiful yucca plants that were flowering and the wind was sweet with sage. </div><div>The next day coming out of Lake Morena I followed a crew of turkey's. Two males were all fanned out and showing their feathers. There were a lot of bunnies in this area too.</div><div>All the climbs were long, I feel like the PCT is an endurance race. It's not as steep as east coast hiking but there also is no goal in sight. You hike up a moutain and down a mountain on the AT, but on the PCT you meander for long distances. It is a different head game.</div><div>The views are what surprised me the most. Everyone told me it was the most scenic but no one described to me how literally ever mile was gorgeous. The heat, sun, and water are tiring but I can't be sad yet. Just look. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9FG_NfQV7Pa5EjtRgmjvyT8yNlHccK89vyd9Hsg48rVeiiyc7OgGaV-2U-fXqZjshq4ZlxQP2kJveqbzvGYUmPMHmQ_TqBF6xrUe2lOGWFy6TKTubJ5ShfoQeNaJKdqcdrKSj-KkLzY/s640/blogger-image--1069694628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9FG_NfQV7Pa5EjtRgmjvyT8yNlHccK89vyd9Hsg48rVeiiyc7OgGaV-2U-fXqZjshq4ZlxQP2kJveqbzvGYUmPMHmQ_TqBF6xrUe2lOGWFy6TKTubJ5ShfoQeNaJKdqcdrKSj-KkLzY/s640/blogger-image--1069694628.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4yzxhcuZOi73dWTvOcRjsEhLZyTyPLf9SbgbNwxRkLGfqm0LVnyQ9ksvf2YB8eUuAJ86odmgYRt1gsb0LOiYOqCMv_oB5M4ZUEUNbcx0HvivkuBaAjeQw-P5JrC73CZ_alizyGjBXtw/s640/blogger-image-510541255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4yzxhcuZOi73dWTvOcRjsEhLZyTyPLf9SbgbNwxRkLGfqm0LVnyQ9ksvf2YB8eUuAJ86odmgYRt1gsb0LOiYOqCMv_oB5M4ZUEUNbcx0HvivkuBaAjeQw-P5JrC73CZ_alizyGjBXtw/s640/blogger-image-510541255.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmUsyYpotbLRtZaHeHLND01H9avjpRBWeA8fg1rvkJF0BqoNJ3pKv0slSd1o0VqKG7PkFudaIwySXbWoJZUsVrC_CgMgwLQ70DQbQI-WkAbiPKHw23afrD9BxjnCqR4kuwCj8RTBcHUM/s640/blogger-image--359355007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmUsyYpotbLRtZaHeHLND01H9avjpRBWeA8fg1rvkJF0BqoNJ3pKv0slSd1o0VqKG7PkFudaIwySXbWoJZUsVrC_CgMgwLQ70DQbQI-WkAbiPKHw23afrD9BxjnCqR4kuwCj8RTBcHUM/s640/blogger-image--359355007.jpg"></a></div>I love seeing the flowers in bloom. It is a lot less desert-like than I expected. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5D5EWRQlZpaTZlcEW0S8KLhNx1CKxdob9ifSgvK0kl8hz0Ti9uU3w8xuWLagM9iW38JOg5lEZq_Xcsj-1q2Se-Pjazs3oSmhRJHzFNZW5zyLIelcY_ctekahXMY8od5Dymd94Gp26aDI/s640/blogger-image-1302714537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5D5EWRQlZpaTZlcEW0S8KLhNx1CKxdob9ifSgvK0kl8hz0Ti9uU3w8xuWLagM9iW38JOg5lEZq_Xcsj-1q2Se-Pjazs3oSmhRJHzFNZW5zyLIelcY_ctekahXMY8od5Dymd94Gp26aDI/s640/blogger-image-1302714537.jpg"></a></div>But there is a mountain coming out of scissors crossing that is long and hot and there is no shade. Definitely glad it was windy that day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQWkNCaDmEq3FWqAmh57g4h_lveGFdv_lWl_vj1SDp2DyCHYDjoRaSjSAska1sB2uMDY4fvYt1SFSJaKHLgViEhLfj5xVFlYaRphJL_R3g-iMysYy9bPOKhbvyGjp8XEHeFaEq6lOLjQ/s640/blogger-image-400574681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQWkNCaDmEq3FWqAmh57g4h_lveGFdv_lWl_vj1SDp2DyCHYDjoRaSjSAska1sB2uMDY4fvYt1SFSJaKHLgViEhLfj5xVFlYaRphJL_R3g-iMysYy9bPOKhbvyGjp8XEHeFaEq6lOLjQ/s640/blogger-image-400574681.jpg"></a></div>The terrain goes back to brush as you climb up into Idyllwild. There was hail up above so I went to paradise caffe and hitched to Idyllwild.</div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-34075007068602180702014-04-25T16:22:00.001-07:002014-04-25T16:22:14.770-07:00Day one<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHSX-k6UK9SCUYH5OOFg4yQwksyh_JQ7oS_fFcd7SW9eszueh2b1Ndn71pxuxmh5cyUtr-d4HkVQaGYKaFhmUaV1WUNV_aD9hOcrWpOe6oEGZZQ1MjMHmFw2oLjgWOMoCqh6vAO8mKzw/s640/blogger-image-810273058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHSX-k6UK9SCUYH5OOFg4yQwksyh_JQ7oS_fFcd7SW9eszueh2b1Ndn71pxuxmh5cyUtr-d4HkVQaGYKaFhmUaV1WUNV_aD9hOcrWpOe6oEGZZQ1MjMHmFw2oLjgWOMoCqh6vAO8mKzw/s640/blogger-image-810273058.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Southern terminus! I was afraid of the too much sun, waterless stretches, and feet. Well my outfit keeps me cool and protects me from the sun, the water is alright as long as you plan, carry extra, and are ok with the extra weight, and my feet hurt. They probably will continue. I'm thinking of getting an insert at the next gear shop and maybe switching my shoes if that doesn't help the blisters on the bottom of my feet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqpgGtfvcOLWLpBgca-suYMSOGeV57FW3qnopMDBMDua9TDTSfw8h2jqJ_dBpotYkte_AGaWH1V5OD8KWOs4syqRdFfXeKC3vE52jmF8PD2EAUuzcZ3uDal09REKbrCJhIvg_0hyphenhyphennfes/s640/blogger-image--199674592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqpgGtfvcOLWLpBgca-suYMSOGeV57FW3qnopMDBMDua9TDTSfw8h2jqJ_dBpotYkte_AGaWH1V5OD8KWOs4syqRdFfXeKC3vE52jmF8PD2EAUuzcZ3uDal09REKbrCJhIvg_0hyphenhyphennfes/s640/blogger-image--199674592.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLe-5CcULKkfFCWruZ2QVfd1p2V_MAUPExirRmYNTQsSgjnIXqvhhhz1JQQHAWNfLnWoDgK3kPHr89AaQAxRfJlw9oJ-N7ABaaiXcxz6HCGqKCC_iJj2b1EZcuYqh7Uio0JosIeXo-IuU/s640/blogger-image-1159275322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLe-5CcULKkfFCWruZ2QVfd1p2V_MAUPExirRmYNTQsSgjnIXqvhhhz1JQQHAWNfLnWoDgK3kPHr89AaQAxRfJlw9oJ-N7ABaaiXcxz6HCGqKCC_iJj2b1EZcuYqh7Uio0JosIeXo-IuU/s640/blogger-image-1159275322.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtz9_hONODJQ6DtVDtzGs0OJvC46_kcWpE8YmqLRfn_YBSy4BzRm_dsqwrf9KgIDUWO8xOF_ynOWvaeqUkK4nMB99qrQnzQ3xbEE890liuiYEvjk1V57ghAzxWOpyDj93V8CqQ0AhyoQ/s640/blogger-image--1816628444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtz9_hONODJQ6DtVDtzGs0OJvC46_kcWpE8YmqLRfn_YBSy4BzRm_dsqwrf9KgIDUWO8xOF_ynOWvaeqUkK4nMB99qrQnzQ3xbEE890liuiYEvjk1V57ghAzxWOpyDj93V8CqQ0AhyoQ/s640/blogger-image--1816628444.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEhfC5SvOu4_Pwptyv7uktZCgxFj7eHKX6twIyn0I2YIzb7BErqOW_L9XblMfBA3pi1riY9PM06WHf9l2nhRHqKOFjipta4LmptHXzmT-y_mfeh4Fcn_pV-J3kW93nGFPsPl_z1-vpQw/s640/blogger-image-456194407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEhfC5SvOu4_Pwptyv7uktZCgxFj7eHKX6twIyn0I2YIzb7BErqOW_L9XblMfBA3pi1riY9PM06WHf9l2nhRHqKOFjipta4LmptHXzmT-y_mfeh4Fcn_pV-J3kW93nGFPsPl_z1-vpQw/s640/blogger-image-456194407.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqroVKHPqVyKZYuixvXhvVj7ennjql0na8ZOzXyYcRS3g_oCP4mwUic8X58OGJ0rOAKreTMXFhyzWe44osH_1mxYQye11eBk68Cy9IJax_4PqVnChX-GAS3neXAnNMWk5wcqOP0yAM3JY/s640/blogger-image-451815123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqroVKHPqVyKZYuixvXhvVj7ennjql0na8ZOzXyYcRS3g_oCP4mwUic8X58OGJ0rOAKreTMXFhyzWe44osH_1mxYQye11eBk68Cy9IJax_4PqVnChX-GAS3neXAnNMWk5wcqOP0yAM3JY/s640/blogger-image-451815123.jpg"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-67983696592053575962014-04-07T12:57:00.000-07:002014-04-07T12:57:07.708-07:00The Day Before DepartureLife is movement. I have unpacked and repacked my life a few times a year every year since graduating college. I enjoy sifting every item into growing keep or donate piles. The hardest part is never getting everything together, it's the little stuff that is hard. Like today, I have to take down my maps. Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain NP; all fond memories of 2013. They made my room feel mine and now I have to sleep here one more night but the walls will be bare. Onward to the next adventure, with no shortage of maps.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-55139059121289941812014-03-08T08:32:00.001-08:002014-03-08T08:32:44.652-08:00One month till departureJust yesterday I realized that this time I'm taking off for the trail will be the longest I have been unemployed since I was 16. I may not be old, but this is still pretty life changing. My last day at work was a double where I worked from 9am-2am. I mean what could be a better departure for work? Having such a long day and then today, my first day off for my trip adventure I am headed outside for 4 days. I'll be testing gear choices, my seem sealing job, and outfit while backpacking and climbing. Life is truly good.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-60645461994548255542014-03-01T07:58:00.001-08:002014-03-01T08:01:50.200-08:00Food: Desert GrainI have been making a spreadsheet of my calorie intake for each resupply box. Sectioning off what I am going to bring on which leg, <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">keepin track of each items calories, figuring how many calories I need to send myself, figuring how many calories I need to buy in towns, and strategizing my food based off of my reliable water sources.</span><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">The question I answered today is what will be my dry grain. Meaning when every drop of water counts, what will I use to bulk up my dinners. The contenders where instant rice, instant mashed potatoes, and couscous. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Instant mashed potatoes was ruled out quickly. It takes 2 cups of water and 2 cups dry potatoes and makes 2 cups of food. So that will be for areas when water sources are not in short supply. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Instant rice is a one to one ratio; 1 cup water to 1 cup dry rice and makes 2 cups of food. It doubles to that is pretty good.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Now couscous was a surprise winner. It also has a one to one ratio; 1 cup water to 1 cup dry couscous. But is triples and makes 3 cups of couscous. This will be my grain through the desert. Whole wheat because it has more calories, and lucky for me couscous tastes amazing.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Only a month and a week left!!</font></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-72093052923740806262014-02-23T08:53:00.000-08:002014-02-23T08:58:01.962-08:00Food: Aussie Bite, first attemptI am a supporter of homemade goods. If I can make it at the skill that I need then I will. Homemade chalk bag, homemade purses, patching clothes, homemade blankets, homemade moccasins; you get the idea. So I am going to make as much of my food from scratch as possible. This morning that meant making my first batch of Aussie bites. Sure, you can buy these calorie packed snacks in bulk at Costco, but at home I can control the flavor and the ingredients.<br>
<a href="http://australian.food.com/recipe/aussie-bites-180031" target="_blank">Recipe I loosely used.</a> Loosely because they seemed too dry so I added 3 tbs of milk. Next time I am going to try adding some coconut milk and use coconut oil and butter (1/2 and 1/2) instead of just butter. I just guessed how much coconut to put in because we don't have cans of dried coconut and I don't have anything to measure oz accurately. I think I put in about 1/3 of a cup. For dried fruit I put in cranberries and raisins. It's what I had in the cabinet.<br>
The results? They turned out rather well. A little crumbly but rather delicious. I think they make my stomach a bit sore though. I will have to confirm this later.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9Fh4Ieu51tFwZSwVbvpCZK6cK0UznZglIuAtr4S4i-vAQbRTGN8gXPlGNvlVtMo-_TPL0y4fovBurgx7DbJdq382WsMpPLOKIgibY0xyIHzpz0DZEtEZAc7MKgq5fq9_aO5N6cFONLM/s640/blogger-image--1638971490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9Fh4Ieu51tFwZSwVbvpCZK6cK0UznZglIuAtr4S4i-vAQbRTGN8gXPlGNvlVtMo-_TPL0y4fovBurgx7DbJdq382WsMpPLOKIgibY0xyIHzpz0DZEtEZAc7MKgq5fq9_aO5N6cFONLM/s640/blogger-image--1638971490.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzD7qDMOSfRx5CM84d58iIw8HFRyOoDokAXwujyl7buGfI2-RplMvTi5nlAVPbETNyP3BdaY-qt-SkWli_QTzMOnDMlJirdcnZcUatUqXRECTIGNarlxr0VWLp3aerg0ab4ZOm-LB9Lc/s640/blogger-image--640419217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzD7qDMOSfRx5CM84d58iIw8HFRyOoDokAXwujyl7buGfI2-RplMvTi5nlAVPbETNyP3BdaY-qt-SkWli_QTzMOnDMlJirdcnZcUatUqXRECTIGNarlxr0VWLp3aerg0ab4ZOm-LB9Lc/s640/blogger-image--640419217.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-74443762922874824172014-02-16T19:06:00.000-08:002014-02-16T19:06:33.910-08:00Food: Well actually water.This week Obama went to SoCal and asked for aid to farmers during the drought. My parents recently hiked part of the PCT around Agua Dulce and notified me that it is brutally dry. My plan of attack is to leave for the trail 3 weeks earlier than I had originally planned (that's why I'm working 52 hours a week now, make up for lost cash) and carry more water than I had originally planned and in smaller containers.<br />
I don't want to have something burst on me and then loose 2-3L of a vital resource. I'm carrying several 1L water bladders and containers. I'm thinking 7L as my max capacity. I have a Sawyer squeeze and Aqua Mira as my water purification, but for the first 700 or so miles I'm thinking of carrying my Katadyn hiker filter for those extra scummy and small water sources. I'm still debating this shift. It might not be worth the weight, or it might make my life so much easier.<br />
Most of my dinners that I am planning require water. Some more than others. I am not usually an obsessive planner, I have enough experience to know nothing ever goes according to obsessive plans, but I must admit I'm being a bit OCD about water. I'm going the <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0AnjydhFdh1E2dEtQWEFXOGVHeWtsQVlCSnFXcTh2VXc&gid=0" target="_blank">PCT Water Report</a> and adding each reliable source into my resupply excel sheet. I'm creating ETA's for each water source so I know which days I will have less water. I am doing this not only to get comfortable with my water sources, but also to know what type of food to send myself for that leg of the journey. A little crazy? Probably. Useful? We will see I guess. Only one way to find out.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-74474043810516317462014-02-09T14:52:00.001-08:002014-02-09T14:52:25.021-08:00Food: BarsBars are such a staple in any backpack on the trail. People make them homemade, buy a bunch, or feel queazy after eating a protein bar (or is that just me?) I have never ventured into making them homemade, but think I will give it a try. I'll let you know the updates. Most people don't have to send themselves this kind of food, but I have found that I do. It's really hard to find bars without nuts in them. <div>
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There are two cliff bars I can eat. That's only because my allergy isn't so sensitive so I can eat things that say may contain once and a while. That said, it's only two bars; chocolate chip and chocolate brownie. They get real boring real fast although I will still carry some and I do like them. I can also probably find these in stores along the way so no need to buy them now.</div>
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I have been shopping around for good nut-free options and they are mostly very expensive. Anita at Avalanche Bars was nice enough to give me some samples which I ate on my gear trial backpacking trip over my birthday weekend. These bars are a bit dry but much tastier than a Cliff bar; less sweet and more savory. They are my style with flax seeds and oats and sunflower butter and honey in each bar (sounds like my breakfast this morning). The Cranberry Pineapple is my favorite, with the chocolate cherry a close second. Maybe I like them so much because they taste nutty so I almost feel like I'm cheating. They are also nut free (no 'may contain' labeling) so I can eat as many as I want (there are six flavors so it will take me longer to get tired of them). If you can sense my excitement it's because it has been hard to find a bar that tastes good, doesn't hurt my stomach, is nut free, and isn't as hard as a rock.</div>
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For a cheaper option, Quaker now makes nut free chewy bars. So I will have some of those sprinkled in too. But honestly I get sick of these super fast. It goes back to what I said about super sweet things; I just don't crave them. I'll eat them for calories.</div>
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No Nuttin' Granola bars are free of gluten, dairy, all other major allergens. They are sweet and hard. I might buy a box just to have one here and there, but this won't become a staple.</div>
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EnerPro make two chewy nut free protein bars, but they are double chocolate and chocolate chip so very similar to the majority of other bars I can eat. I will buy some of these too, but make sure to pair them with Avalanche Bars so I can have a sweet and then a savory bar.</div>
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Candice Foods makes a variety of granola bars but I haven't gotten up the courage to actually buy one. They are very expensive ($3 each) and when I asked if I could have some free samples I never got a reply. It would just be nice to know that I like them before I spend $25 on six bars...I probably just won't and leave these off the resupply bandwagon.</div>
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Well, that's about it. Doesn't a apply to many but I can't be the only one with a nut allergy into backpacking right? If anyone has any advice or experience with nut-free bars I would love to hear it...please.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-47624137528310616662014-02-05T13:34:00.001-08:002014-02-05T13:34:14.431-08:00Food; Taking a Note from the Mission to MarsWhen they were doing tests for the mission to Mars teams, they found out that the only way people could withstand having the same food for that long of a trip wasn't having a variety of packaged food. It was by having ingredients on hand that they could prepare into meals themselves. It seems like such a simple idea, but being in control of you diet is key to long term happiness both on a space ship and on the trail. I'm not saying I will be making all my meals, but rather I will have a bunch of fast, pre made food and a bunch of ingredients so I can make whatever I'm craving.<br />
Last night there was an ice storm and it is snowing outside and I don't work today. So it seemed like a good day to sit back and order some food.<br />
In the freezer dried category I bought spinach, broccolli, raspberries, strawberries, peas, and asparagus.<br />
In the dried category I bought Genmai Miso, wild blueberries, wild mixed berries, cranberries, montmorency tart cherries, apricots, mangos, peaches, pineapple rings and shallots.<br />
In the seed category I bought roasted pumpkin seeds and soy nuts.<br />
In the grain category I bought puffed quinoa.<br />
Along with some spices, sun dried tomatoes, oatmeal, couscous, instant rice, meat and some other essentials I think this will make for some pretty good feasting. I obviously love fruit. I eat so much of it on the trail that I know buying it in somewhat bulk (not 10lbs or anything) will save me money in the end. Plus I can afford mostly organic if I buy online.<br />
I'm planning on making all my breakfasts and dinners on the trail from my mail drops and resupplying most of my snacks from local stores in towns. This way I won't get tired of any one snack and I get to support local business without giving up my veggie and fruit intense diet.<br />
It's fun to be at this stage of planning. I'm getting permits and ordering food so I can start making my mail drop boxes. The day is fast approaching...<br />
I want to also share a treat I have been eating to gain weight before the trail.<br />
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Honey Soynut butter spread on top of my aunt's homemade chocolate chip cookies. If this doesn't make my body happy, I'm just not sure what will.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-49653633277208526382014-02-02T17:59:00.001-08:002014-02-02T17:59:59.985-08:00February Food FocusI want to start looking at some food options for the trail. This month I hope to try out some new recipes or even just figure out which snacks I like for trail fuel.<div>I think it's important to start the conversation with a little preference background. I eat healthfully. I like organic, I am a meat eater and an avacado and egg sandwich is my favorite breakfast. I love veggies and all things green. My food life would be meaningless without kale and I have a hard time liking super sweet foods.</div><div>I also have a very fast metabolism. Instead of trying to loose weight for the trail I am trying to gain about 10-15lbs. I've been given crap for this my whole life, how I'm so lucky I don't have to worry about weight, but unfortunately that just isn't true. I have to worry about getting too thin. I will have to fight it the whole time I'm on the trail and will have to carry double the food. Especially for a women, you really can't let yourself get below a certain weight. I know it's not a super common problem, but it is a concern of mine.</div><div>Calorie dense, a mix of healthy and unhealthy, and a lot of variety is what I am looking for in trail food. Also...I'm allergic to nuts. All of them. So trail snacks are a bit harder to come by.</div><div>I'm also going to carry a stove, so my meals will be a mix of cold and hot. </div><div>Alright cool, let's eat.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-44904698479082460762014-01-29T17:25:00.002-08:002014-01-29T17:25:13.983-08:00The End is Nigh!maps k, l<br />
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I think if I were looking for a vacation and I came across a place called Glacier Peak Wilderness, I would have heavenly dreams until I arrived. What could be better than alpine lakes, glaciers, and rock? I'm unsure. Reading<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the description on wilderness.net made me sentimental for my exploring days in CO; "</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">bodies of water include more than 200 lakes, many unnamed and tremendously difficult to access, in various cirques and hidden basins." It is also a climbers haven. I might just stay </span>here<span style="font-family: inherit;"> for a bit hoping to meet up with a buddy of mine who may be climbing in the <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4e/Glacier-Lyman-Tamarack.jpg">area</a>.</span></span><br />
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North Cascades National Park is glacier after glacier; 318 or so actually. All beautiful but also it will be sad. These landscapes are disappearing quickly, but that makes me all the more anxious to enjoy them while I can. <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f0/Neve_Glacier_North_Cascades_USGS.jpg">here</a><br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:View_from_Maple_Pass.jpg">Okanogan National Forest</a> is the second largest NF that is completely in one county after Nez Perce National Forest in Idaho. The western side of the forest is wetter than the dry eastern side. The majority of the forested area is Lodgepole pines.<br />
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Hiking through WA we get to Cananda. Into that place we have all heard of, Manning Par<span style="font-family: inherit;">k. The park is named after Ernest Callaway Manning, Chief Forester from the 1930s to 41 when he died in a plane crash. He was apparently inspirational in </span>encouraging British Columbians to set aside land for the enjoyment of future generations. I say apparently because I have not done much research on figuring out whether that statement is true. Manning park has a resort that is heavily trafficked by visitors world wide. <a href="http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/ecmanning/manning_complete_history.pdf">Here is a history of manning park if you are interested.</a><br />
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Rock Climbing:<br />
SO this is all the climbing we will pass in WA on the PCT.<br />
<a href="http://www.mountainproject.com/v/bridge-of-the-gods-boulders/105789016">Bridge of the Gods Boulders</a> I hope to be better at bouldering by this point because the easiest problems are V4 and up to V12. Stretch Arm is a V5 problem there that looks so much fun.<br />
<a href="http://www.mountainproject.com/v/mount-adams/105877037">Mount Adams</a> will probably be added to my side trips.<br />
<a href="http://www.mountainproject.com/v/tieton-river/105921237">Tieton River</a> there is a 5.10 route there named the Saint of Circumstance that looks like a fun, hover hung crux.<br />
<a href="http://www.mountainproject.com/v/snoqualmie-pass/106378877">Snoqualmie Pass</a> has a few routes that I can go without rope so that seems fun.<br />
There is a 5.8 traverse on <a href="http://www.mountainproject.com/v/guye-peak/107316329">Guye Peak</a>.<br />
That's all for now folks! More gear talk to be had in a bit.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17396234296256739951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344504527301158417.post-3850746781668308872014-01-28T20:14:00.003-08:002014-01-28T20:14:50.510-08:00Washington State! Active volcanos and all.I've been working extra hours and training for the trail so I have been running short on time to write. This trend will probably continue so today and tomorrow, I'm finishing up my trail summary. I feel bad for Washington because this always happens to it. CA and OR are written about with love a detail and then WA gets the "I can't believe I'm almost done"/ "snow!" treatment. I'm about to give it the short end of the stick once again. I'll try to treat the trail like a good book and never think about the end until it has arrived, but for now, because of time management issues, I will have to write quickly about a walk through the state.<br />
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maps h, i, j<br />
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By the time we pass over the Bridge of the Gods, we are in WA.<br />
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (CRGNSA) is the 24,000 acres around the Columbia River. The River is the second largest in North America, starting in Idaho and ending at the Pacific. The gorge is 4,000 feet deep at it's lowest point and includes the second largest waterfall in the world, Multnomah Falls.<br />
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Gifford Pinchot National Forest is nothing short of epic. It has Mt Adams, Mt St. Helens, Goat Rocks Wilderness, and huckleberries (yum). We will walk through patches of Gifford Pinchot that are apart of the Wind River Experimental Forest. These lands have been studied since 1909 when Thorton T. Munger set up an arboretum.<br />
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On the PCT we walk the entire Indian Heaven Wilderness from north to south, just over 16 miles. In the north there is a section named the Sawtooth Berry Flats where native americans collected huckleberries. To this day there is a section which is designated for the use of local tribes. Check out the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/giffordpinchot/specialplaces/?cid=fsbdev3_004969">Huckleberry Legend</a> from the Yakima tribe. The summary is the Huckleberries are the plants that grew from the bloody eyes of the creator.<br />
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Goat Rocks Wilderness is spectacular. Not only do I love goats, but I love rough and rocky areas. This place looks heavenly. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Goat_Rocks_Wilderness_-_Pano_-_Flickr_-_Joe_Parks_(1).jpg">photo</a>) Jagged and lovely, can't wait to skit the sides of this range.<br />
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Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is huge. It extends a 140 miles from the Canada down to Mt, Rainer National Forest. Outside of Alaska, it has the most glaciers of any national forest. We pass through Alpine Lakes Wilderness, which is mostly in Wenatchee National Forest. It has 700 mountain lakes and craggy peaks and ridges.<br />
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